255 



CHAPTER X. 



A Brief Account of the fFar of the Toquis Vihi- 

 milla and Curignancu ; Spanish Govemoj's to th& 

 Year 1787. 



THE Araucanians had for some time been very 

 much dissatified with the peace. They perceived that 

 it gave the Spaniards an opportunity of forming new 

 establishments in their country. They also endured 

 very impatiently the insolence of those who were 

 designated by the title of Captains of the Friends, 

 and who having been introduced under pretence 

 of guarding the missionaries, arrogated to them- 

 selves a species of authority over the natives, who, 

 stimulated by resentment for these grievances, deter- 

 mined, in 1722, to create a Toqui, and have recourse 

 to arms. 



The choice fell upon Vilumilla, a man of low rank, 

 but one who had acquired a high, reputation for his 

 judgment, courage and extensive views. His object 

 was no less than the expulsion of the Spaniards from 

 the whole of Chili. To succeed in this arduous en- 

 terprise, it was necessary to obtain the support of all 

 the Chilians, from the confines of Peru to the Bio- 

 bio. Vast as was the plan, it appeared to him not to 

 be difficult of execution. Having killed in a skir- 

 mish three or four Spaniards, and among them one 



